Milligan braces Roos for tough conditions

Rancid heat and relentless rain, a pitch made of cow grass, and an opposition of plucky outsiders content to sit back and test initiative.

Mark Milligan is well-versed on what will be in store when Australia's World Cup qualifying campaign goes on the line against Syria in the country's first play-off match since 2005.

Backs will be against the wall, in his words.

Yet the Socceroos stalwart has emphasised the importance of making a mark in Thursday's opening leg in Malaysia, a necessity if they're to take an advantage to ANZ Stadium next Tuesday and advance to a final two-legged play-off for a spot at Russia 2018.

"It's very important that we start well in Malaysia," Milligan told AAP.

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Adelaide United

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AAMI Park - Saturday February 24th, 8:50 am

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Melbourne City FC

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nib Stadium - Saturday February 24th, 11:00 am

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Celta de Vigo

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Eibar

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Balaídos - Saturday February 24th, 12:00 pm

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Stoke City

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King Power Stadium - Saturday February 24th, 12:30 pm

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Sport-Club Freiburg

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Newcastle United

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"If we get a good result there we're very confident about coming back home in front of a home crowd in Australia.

"It's going to be a tough couple of weeks ... all that experience we've gained over the last two qualifying campaigns is going to be called upon in this next match."